Investigating the effects of ibogaine on drug addiction
Chemistry and Pharmacology of Iboga Alkaloids
This study is looking at how ibogaine, a natural substance from a plant, might help people who are dealing with opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and it could lead to new treatments for those in recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10814280 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on ibogaine, a psychoactive compound derived from the Tabernanthe iboga shrub, which has shown promise in treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder. The study aims to understand the chemistry and pharmacology of ibogaine, including its effects on withdrawal symptoms and cravings in individuals with addiction. By utilizing preclinical rodent models, the research examines how ibogaine interacts with specific receptors in the brain to potentially reduce drug-seeking behavior and improve abstinence rates. The findings could lead to new therapeutic options for those struggling with addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders who are seeking new treatment alternatives.
Not a fit: Patients who are not struggling with substance use disorders or those who are not interested in alternative treatment options may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for patients suffering from opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have shown promising results for ibogaine in treating addiction, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia Univ New York Morningside — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sames, Dalibor — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Sames, Dalibor
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.